A pluggable network interface device is provided comprising a split-shell housing having a shielded side portion that protects a side of a circuit substrate disposed in the split-shell housing. The split-shell housing comprises a first shell portion that covers a first side of the circuit substrate and a second shell portion that covers a second side of the circuit substrate that is arranged opposite the first side. The shielded side portion is inset from a width of the split-shell housing and offset a distance from an electrical interconnection end of the circuit substrate. The shielded side portion is arranged at least partially in a notch of the circuit substrate disposed at the electrical interconnection end of the circuit substrate.